On Monday, three DEA Agents were killed when their helicopter crashed in Afghanistan. These were the first Agent deaths since the DEA began their anti-narcotics mission in Afghanistan in 2005.

Special Agent Michael E. Weston

Special Agent Forest N. Leamon

Special Agent Chad L. Michael

Remarks by DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart:

Today, we mourn the tragic loss of three DEA Special Agents:

Chad L. Michael was 30 years old from Quantico, VA.

Michael E. Weston was 37 years old from Washington, D.C.

Forrest N. Leamon was 37 years old from Woodbridge, VA.

These were not ordinary men. In a world where “ordinary” has become acceptable, these courageous human beings made “extraordinary” contributions.

They pledged an oath, they wore a badge, and they “stood the line.”

They were proud warriors performing a vital mission. They were more than just Special Agents, they were also special Americans. Like you, they volunteered to serve their country. Like you, they believed in the mission. Like you, they made the saving of lives their life’s work.

We are all saddened by this tragic event. DEA is an extremely tight family, and the death of these three brave agents is a devastating loss for us. We honor their service, bravery, and sacrifice. We all stand taller and fight harder for having known them. Their loss inspires us to even greater determination.

No expressions of grief can adequately convey the depth of the collective sorrow that we feel for their family and friends. The heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies of everyone at DEA go out to them.

We owe our fallen heroes a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, and we will forever cherish their call to service and carry their spirit in our hearts.

In closing, DEA would like to thank everyone, both civilian and military, who came to our aid by providing invaluable assistance and support during our time of need. DEA will forever be grateful.

The next 2 or 3 years are so dependent on such precise timing, it’s really stressing my out, and there is nothing I can do about it.

A and B have to happen before C. D has to happen after C but before E. However, C doesn’t happen on a regular basis. C will happen this winter/spring; I need it to happen again in August, but I really don’t want it to be later than September.

This week, Police K9 units from across the southwest have been here for a training. Yesterday, I got to help out with one of the scenarios. It was really fun to watch all the different teams go through the scenario. I’ll post pictures in the next day or so.

Well, after my flight got delayed, I got home a 3am. Overall, my trip was good, but aside for the lack of water here, I’m happy to be home.

Then today, I got to upgrade my cell phone. I went from my trusty LG Chocolate to the Motorola Krave. Its pretty nifty! I’m still trying to figure it all out, but so far it’s fun.

Also today, I got a couple things I had ordered. First, the 2009 pin from the National Law Enforcement Memorial (Police Week 2009 is May 10-16). I also got a LED shower head that has blue or red lights depending on the water temperature. And then, I got this neat push-up trainer thing. I really like it, and think it will help me a lot. The only thing is, part of it vibrates, and it tickles sooooo bad!!!!!!

One of my favorite snack foods is dried fruit and veggies from the company Just Tomatoes. With only one ingredient, “absolutely nothing added,” they are healthy like fruits and veggies, with the crunch of less healthy snacks. Well, I just discovered that they are now carrying my favorite fruit – apricots! Yum!!!

On April 10, 2009, at approximately 6:15 P.M., ******* County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a report of found human remains in the ****** area near ******. The reporting party told deputies he was walking his dogs near his home on ***** Drive when one of the dogs wandered off the trail. He called for the dog and the dog returned with a human skull in its mouth. The dog’s owner had his dog drop the skull in place as he marked the location and contacted the Sheriff’s Office.

The deputy examined the find, confirmed that the skull was human, and contacted *CSO Criminal Investigation Detectives. *CSO Detectives arrived on scene, took custody of the skull, and marked off the area where the skull had been recovered. During an initial search, no additional remains were found. On Monday, April 13, 2009, a ***** County Search and Rescue Team cadaver dog was brought to the area with the hope of finding additional remains and evidence. Detectives now focused on a very large search area with the cadaver dog. That afternoon, the dog was able to locate more human skeletal bones in a rocky area adjacent to ***** Road. This find was on the opposite side of the road where the skull had been recovered.

A large area was cordoned off to protect the possibility of additional remains and evidence. The search continued during the remaining afternoon and then resumed at first light Tuesday and throughout the day. Several additional human bones were found and recovered for analysis. Detectives believe the remains are that of a male. Area residents driving by the area were notified of the find and asked to call *CSO if any information was discovered.

This all happened in my neighborhood, almost directly in my back yard.

For quite some time, I have been working toward a career with a mid-sized city police department. Well, recently, i’ve been thinking more and more about going Federal. The two Federal agencies I am currently looking at are the Secret Service – Protection Division or the Drug Enforcement Administration. I think I could really like either of these agencies, but I am a little nervous about the relocation requirements.